Indulging in peppermint-inspired desserts is like taking a delightful bite out of winter. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving something sweet, these dessert recipes will bring joy to any occasion. From creamy mousses to chewy brownies, there’s a peppermint treat for everyone to love. Let’s dive into these delightful recipes!
1. Peppermint Chocolate Brownies
These chocolaty brownies with a minty twist will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup flour
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies
Process:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt chocolate and butter together.
- Mix in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in flour and fold in crushed candies.
- Pour into a greased baking pan and bake for 25 minutes.
- Let cool and cut into squares.
Make it Unique: Add a layer of brownie on top with a peppermint patty for an extra surprise!
2. Peppermint Cheesecake Bars
These cheesecake bars are a perfect balance of creamy and minty.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 cup whipped topping
Process:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter for the crust.
- Press into a baking dish and bake for 10 mins.
- Blend cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and peppermint extract until smooth. Pour over crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool and chill before cutting.
Make it Unique: Top with crushed Oreos for extra crunch!
3. Peppermint Mousse
Light and airy, this mousse is a treat for your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
Process:
- Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, mix powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and cocoa powder.
- Gently fold cocoa mix into whipped cream until combined.
- Spoon into serving dishes and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Make it Unique: Drizzle with chocolate syrup before serving!
4. Peppermint Candy Cane Fudge
This fudge is an explosion of minty flavor and sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Process:
- Melt white chocolate chips and condensed milk in a saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in peppermint extract and half of the crushed candy canes.
- Pour into a lined baking dish and sprinkle the rest of the candy on top.
- Let cool, cut into squares, and enjoy!
Make it Unique: Use dark chocolate for a different taste!
5. Peppermint Macarons
These light and airy treats will impress your guests!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 3 large egg whites
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Green food coloring
Process:
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Whip egg whites and cream of tartar to soft peaks.
- Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in almond flour, powdered sugar, extract, and food coloring.
- Pipe onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Make it Unique: Fill them with chocolate ganache for a richer flavor!
6. Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
These cupcakes combine classic flavors into a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix dry ingredients in one bowl, wet in another.
- Combine and pour into cupcake liners.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes. Cool before frosting.
- Top with peppermint cream cheese frosting.
Make it Unique: Swap chocolate frosting for white chocolate frosting!
7. Peppermint Ice Cream
Chill out with this creamy peppermint delight.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Process:
- Mix cream, milk, sugar, and peppermint extract in a bowl.
- Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Add crushed candy canes in the last few minutes of churning.
- Freeze until solid.
Make it Unique: Mix in chocolate chips for a surprise!
8. Peppermint Bark
This simple treat is perfect for sharing.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz dark chocolate
- 8 oz white chocolate
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Process:
- Melt dark chocolate and pour onto a lined baking sheet, spreading evenly.
- Let set in the fridge until firm.
- Melt white chocolate and spread over dark chocolate. Sprinkle with candy canes.
- Chill until set and break into pieces.
Make it Unique: Add a sprinkle of sea salt for contrast!
9. Peppermint Snickerdoodles
These cookies are a festive twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup crushed peppermint for coating
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs and mix well. In another bowl, combine flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Add to wet ingredients.
- Roll cookies in crushed peppermint before baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Make it Unique: Use brown sugar for a chewier cookie!
10. Peppermint Pudding Parfaits
These parfaits are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 1 package instant peppermint pudding mix
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1 cup chocolate cookie crumbs
Process:
- Whisk pudding mix with milk until thickened.
- Layer pudding, whipped cream, and cookie crumbs in glasses.
- Repeat until glasses are full.
- Top with extra whipped cream and candy canes.
Make it Unique: Swap chocolate crumbs for crushed graham crackers!
11. Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats
This twist on a childhood favorite is a must-try.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups rice cereal
- 1 bag mini marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Process:
- Melt butter in a large pot, add marshmallows and stir until melted.
- Mix in peppermint extract, then add rice cereal and stir until coated.
- Press into a greased pan, sprinkle with candy canes, and let cool.
- Cut into squares.
Make it Unique: Drizzle with melted chocolate for extra fun!
12. Peppermint Swirl Cookies
These cookies are festive and fun to make!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green food coloring
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla.
- Gradually add flour. Divide dough and tint one half red and the other green.
- Roll each color into logs, twist them together, and slice to form cookies.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Make it Unique: Add white chocolate chips in the dough for extra sweetness!
Now that you’ve seen these truly delightful peppermint desserts, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! Whether you try one or all, each recipe promises a treat that will spread joy and deliciousness this season. Enjoy your sweet peppermint journey!